What Is the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), known as TEAM in Italian, is a document that certifies the holder's right to receive medically necessary healthcare during a temporary stay in one of the European Union countries, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland.
In Italy, the EHIC is integrated on the back of the national Health Cardthat displays the Tax Code. No separate card request is needed: every Italian citizen enrolled in the National Health Service automatically has the EHIC.
International Recognition
The EHIC has a standardized European format with the same design in all countries. Data is also shown in English and French to facilitate recognition abroad.
What the Card Contains
The front of the EHIC shows:
- Holder's name and surname
- Date of birth
- Tax Code (personal identification number)
- Card expiry date
- Identification number of the competent institution
- Country of issue (IT for Italy)
Where You Can Use the EHIC Card
The EHIC is valid in 31 European countries and guarantees access to public healthcare under the same conditions as residents of the host country.
European Union Countries (27)
EEA Countries + Switzerland (4)
Post-Brexit United Kingdom
From January 1, 2021, the Italian EHIC is no longer valid in the United Kingdom for new stays. Private health insurance is required for travel to the UK.
What the EHIC Card Covers
The EHIC guarantees access to medically necessary healthcare during a temporary stay, under the same economic conditions as citizens of the host country.
Covered Services
- Emergency Room: urgent and emergency care
- Medical visits: consultations needed during stay
- Hospital admissions: for acute illnesses or injuries
- Medications: necessary medical prescriptions
- Dialysis: with prior booking in host country
- Oxygen therapy: if needed during travel
- Pregnancy care: prenatal care and delivery if necessary
- Chronic disease care: continuity of existing treatments
How Coverage Works
The EHIC allows you to receive care under the same conditions as local residents:
- If the service is free for residents, it will be free for you too
- If there's a co-pay, you'll pay the same amount as residents
- Does not cover medical repatriation
- Does not cover private healthcare facilities
How to Apply for the EHIC Card
In Italy, the EHIC is integrated into the Health Card which is automatically issued to all National Health Service members. No special request is needed for the European part.
First Issuance
The Health Card with EHIC is automatically issued by the Revenue Agency when you obtain a Tax Code and are enrolled in the National Health Service. The card is mailed to your residence address.
Provisional Card (Substitute EHIC)
If your card is expired, lost, or damaged and you need to travel urgently, you can request a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) from your local health authority, valid for 3 months, which has the same value as the EHIC.
EHIC Validity and Renewal
The validity of the Health Card and therefore the EHIC varies based on the holder's situation:
- Italian citizens: 6 years
- Resident EU citizens: based on residence permit
- Non-EU citizens: based on residence permit expiry
Checking Expiry
The expiry date is shown on the card in the "Expiry date" field. Always check validity before traveling.
What to Do in Case of Emergency Abroad
If you need medical care while traveling in Europe, here's how to proceed:
In Case of Emergency
- Call 112: European emergency number, active in all EU countries
- Present your EHIC: at the emergency room or to the doctor
- Keep all documentation: receipts, prescriptions, medical reports
Useful Numbers
- 112: Emergencies (all of Europe)
- Embassy/Consulate: for consular assistance
- Italian health authority: for coverage information
EHIC Limitations and Exclusions
It's important to know the limits of EHIC coverage to avoid unpleasant surprises during travel.
What the EHIC Does NOT Cover
- Medical repatriation: transport back to Italy is not covered
- Private care: only public facilities are covered
- Planned treatments: treatments that can be postponed until return
- Cosmetic procedures: non-medically necessary interventions
- Medical tourism: trips made to receive specific treatments
- Mountain/sea rescue: often not included
- Ambulance transport: may be charged in some countries
Important Advice
For complete coverage during travel, it's advisable to supplement the EHIC withtravel health insurance that covers repatriation, private care, and other services not included.
Tips for Travelers
Here are some practical tips to make the most of your EHIC during your travels in Europe:
Before Departure
- Check the card's expiry date
- Photograph front and back of the EHIC
- Save photos in the cloud (accessible even without the physical card)
- Note emergency numbers for your destination country
- Consider supplementary travel insurance
During Travel
- Always carry the card with you
- When receiving care, always ask for written documentation
- Keep all medical expense receipts